Do I Need an EICR When Purchasing a Property?
If you’re in the process of buying a home in Bournemouth or the surrounding areas, you’re likely juggling multiple surveys, inspections, and checks. One question that often comes up is: do I need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) when purchasing a property?
Whilst it’s not currently a legal requirement for homebuyers, an EICR – often called a homebuyer electrical survey – can provide invaluable peace of mind and potentially save you thousands of pounds in unexpected repairs. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about homebuyer EICRs in Bournemouth, from what’s involved to how much you can expect to pay.
What Is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?
An EICR is a thorough assessment of your property’s electrical installation. It examines the condition of the fixed wiring, sockets, consumer unit (fuse box), earthing and bonding, and other electrical components to ensure they’re safe and compliant with current British standards.
The inspection is carried out by a qualified electrician who will identify any issues such as wear and tear, damage, overloading, or potentially dangerous electrical work. At TJC Fire & Electrical, we’re registered with both NICEIC and NAPIT, meaning our electricians have the qualifications and expertise to conduct thorough and compliant EICRs across Bournemouth and Southern England.
Why Should Homebuyers Consider an EICR?
Whilst EICRs are legally required for landlords under The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, there’s no legal obligation for homebuyers. However, that doesn’t mean you should skip it.
Here’s why a pre-purchase electrical survey makes sense:
Uncover Hidden Electrical Problems
Many properties, particularly older homes, may have outdated or unsafe wiring that isn’t immediately visible. Issues like inadequate earthing, missing RCD protection, or DIY electrical work that doesn’t meet current regulations can pose serious safety risks.
Negotiate a Better Price
If an EICR reveals significant electrical issues, you’ll have solid evidence to negotiate the purchase price or request that the seller carries out remedial works before completion.
Plan for Future Costs
Even if the electrical installation passes the EICR, the report will highlight any observations or recommendations for improvement. This helps you budget for future electrical upgrades, such as a consumer unit replacement or rewiring.
Insurance and Mortgage Requirements
Some mortgage lenders and insurance companies may require proof of electrical safety, particularly for older properties or those that have been empty for extended periods.
Peace of Mind
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll make. Knowing that the electrical installation is safe gives you confidence that you and your family won’t be at risk from electrical fires or shocks.
What’s Included in a Homebuyer EICR Inspection?
During an EICR, our qualified electricians will conduct a comprehensive examination of your property’s electrical system, including:
- Fixed wiring throughout the property
- Consumer unit (fuse box), checking for outdated components and adequate circuit protection
- Sockets and switches, testing for correct installation and functionality
- Light fittings and circuits
- Earthing and bonding arrangements to ensure proper protection
- RCD protection (Residual Current Devices) to safeguard against electric shocks
- Circuit breakers and fuses
- Insulation resistance testing
- Polarity checks to ensure wiring is correctly connected
The inspection is non-invasive and doesn’t require any destructive testing, although our electrician may need to remove socket and switch faceplates to examine wiring connections.
Understanding EICR Codes and Results
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed EICR certificate that categorises any faults using a coding system:
- C1 (Danger present): Immediate risk requiring urgent remedial action
- C2 (Potentially dangerous): Urgent remedial work needed
- C3 (Improvement recommended): Not immediately dangerous but doesn’t meet current standards
- FI (Further investigation required): Additional inspection needed to determine the extent of a problem
If your EICR shows C1 or C2 codes, remedial work is essential before the property is safe to occupy. C3 codes are advisory and can typically be addressed over time. We keep our clients informed throughout the entire process, from project inception to completion, ensuring you understand exactly what any codes mean and what action is required.
How Much Does a Homebuyer EICR Cost in Bournemouth?
The cost of an EICR in Bournemouth typically varies depending on several factors:
- Property size: Larger homes with more circuits take longer to inspect
- Number of circuits: More circuits mean more testing
- Property age and complexity: Older properties or those with complex installations require more thorough examination
- Accessibility: Hard-to-reach areas may extend inspection time
For an accurate price, we recommend getting a quote specific to the property you’re purchasing. At TJC Fire & Electrical, we offer a free quotation service, so you can budget accordingly before committing.
How Long Does an EICR Take?
Most domestic EICRs can be completed within 2-4 hours, depending on the property’s size and complexity. A small flat might take as little as 2 hours, whilst a larger detached house with multiple circuits could take up to 4 hours or more.
You’ll typically receive your EICR certificate within a few days of the inspection, allowing you to review the results before your property purchase completes.
Who Can Carry Out an EICR?
It’s crucial that your EICR is conducted by a qualified and competent electrician. Look for electricians who are registered with recognised bodies such as NICEIC or NAPIT – these organisations ensure their members meet stringent technical and safety standards.
Our team at TJC Fire & Electrical holds both NICEIC and NAPIT accreditations, giving you confidence that your electrical inspection in Bournemouth will be thorough, accurate, and compliant with all relevant regulations.
Other Surveys to Consider When Buying a Home
An EICR is just one of several specialist surveys you might want to commission when purchasing a property. Depending on the property’s age, location, and condition, you may also want to consider:
Damp Survey
Dampness can cause significant structural damage and health issues if left untreated. A professional damp survey identifies moisture problems, condensation issues, and rising or penetrating damp. If you’re buying a property in Bournemouth and have concerns about damp, we recommend contacting specialists like Dorset Damp Specialist for a comprehensive damp assessment.
Structural Survey
A structural survey (also known as a Level 3 Building Survey) provides an in-depth analysis of the property’s construction and condition, ideal for older or unusual properties.
Homebuyer’s Report
A Level 2 Homebuyer’s Report offers a middle-ground option, highlighting significant issues without the detail of a full structural survey.
What Happens After Your EICR?
If your homebuyer EICR reveals electrical issues, you have several options:
Satisfactory Result
If the report is satisfactory with no C1 or C2 codes, you can proceed with your purchase confident that the electrical installation is safe.
Unsatisfactory Result
If serious faults are identified, you can:
- Request that the seller carries out remedial works before completion
- Negotiate a reduced purchase price to cover the cost of repairs
- Commission us to provide a quote for the necessary remedial work so you know exactly what you’re facing
We can handle any required remedial works and, once complete, issue a new EICR certificate or an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for the work carried out.
How Often Should EICRs Be Carried Out?
For homeowners, it’s recommended that you have your electrical installation inspected:
- Every 10 years for owner-occupied homes
- Before selling or purchasing a property
- After significant electrical work has been completed
- If you notice any electrical issues such as frequent tripping, burning smells, or flickering lights
Our EICR Service in Bournemouth and Beyond
At TJC Fire & Electrical, we provide comprehensive EICR services across Bournemouth and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re buying a property in Poole, Ferndown, Ringwood, Christchurch, or Wimborne, our qualified electricians can conduct a thorough pre-purchase electrical inspection.
We also serve clients throughout Hampshire, including Southampton, Portsmouth, Southsea, and Dorchester.
Book Your Homebuyer EICR Today
Don’t leave the safety and compliance of your future home to chance. A homebuyer EICR in Bournemouth is a small investment that could save you thousands in unexpected repairs and give you complete peace of mind.
Our NICEIC and NAPIT-registered electricians are ready to help you make an informed decision about your property purchase. We offer free quotations and keep you informed throughout the entire process.
Ready to book your EICR? Get in touch with us today to arrange your electrical inspection, or visit our website to learn more about our domestic electrical services.
Buying a home is exciting, but it’s important to ensure every aspect of the property is safe and sound. Let us help you take that next step with confidence.